National Zoo

We have another month of summer! While school is out we visit different sites near our home during the day. Living right outside of Washington, DC has lots of benefits, including dozens of amazing (FREE!) museums and attractions. The National Zoo is one of our absolute favorites.

The main attraction at the National Zoo is the panda exhibit. Bao bao the baby panda was born in August 2013 and she lives at the National Zoo with her parents Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. If you're not able to visit them in DC, you can still keep an eye on all of their shenanigans on the Panda Cam.

The "Asia Trail" has been recently renovated with a new area for the elephants.

My kids loved the meerkats in the small mammal house. Thanks National Geographic for that!

This Aldabra tortoise is so fascinating! You would think that a huge, heavy old tortoise would be slow, but this guy (gal?) was on the move.

When we visited, there were a few new baby lions. We could actually hear them roaring before we arrived at their area. They are loud!!

No visit to the National Zoo is complete without a little side trip to Georgetown for cupcakes. My girls watched a few episodes of DC cupcakes and insisted that we stop! Who am I to say no? :)

National Zoo "Must Knows" Before you Go:

Entrance Fees: Free

Parking: Limited parking on site - $22. You can also arrive via the Woodley Park Metro station.

Things to Take: Water, lunch, comfortable walking shoes.

Amenities: Concession stands throughout the zoo, gift shops, stroller rental

Good for Ages: Good for the whole family. The zoo is hilly and the walk can be steep and tiring at times. If you have little ones, be sure to bring a stroller.

For More Information: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/

Enjoy this summer with your family!